Healthy Christmas Swaps That Are Surprisingly Weight-Loss Friendly

Christmas is synonymous with indulgent meals and sweet treats, but that doesn’t mean your weight loss goals need to take a holiday. With some mindful choices and clever swaps, you can enjoy festive favorites while staying on track. Here are some healthy Christmas swaps to help you savor the season guilt-free.

Swap Turkey & Gravy for a Savory Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast

Traditional Christmas turkey with gravy is a holiday staple. The challenge? Gravy often contains excess butter and flour. Stick to lean turkey breast seasoned with fresh herbs. Enhance the flavor with a citrus glaze, lemon juice, and zero-calorie sweetener like Stevia®.

Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast with Citrus Glaze – GLP Elite™

Ingredients: 

• 1 lb. turkey breast (16 oz.)
• Juice of 1 orange
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 tsp rosemary
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1-2 tsp Stevia®
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions: 

1. Rub the turkey breast with olive oil, herbs, salt, and pepper. 
2. Roast at 375°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. 
3. While roasting, reduce the citrus juices in a saucepan with Stevia for a glaze. 
4. Drizzle over the turkey before serving.

Recipe Yields: 16 servings of protein and 1 serving of fruit.

Swap Creamy Mashed Potatoes for Cauliflower

Love mashed potatoes but not the extra calories? Elevate your holiday plate with a guilt-free alternative! Ditch the butter and cream for steamed cauliflower whipped to perfection with low-fat Greek yogurt. The result? A rich, creamy mash that’s low-carb, high-flavor, and packed with nutrients.

Mashed Cauliflower with Greek Yogurt – GLP Elite™

Ingredients:

• 1 head of cauliflower
• ⅓ cup low-fat Greek yogurt
• 2 garlic cloves
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chives, for garnish

Directions:

1. Steam the cauliflower until tender.
2. Blend it with Greek yogurt, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Garnish with fresh chives.

Recipe Yields: 1 serving of protein and 8 servings of vegetables.

Use Spaghetti Squash Instead of Pasta

Who says you can’t have your pasta and eat it too this Christmas? While creamy pasta and baked ziti are beloved holiday classics, they can leave you feeling overly full and weighed down. Spaghetti squash is a low-carb, nutrient-packed alternative that serves up all the texture and satisfaction of your favorite pasta dishes—minus the guilt.

Spaghetti Squash with Tomato Basil Sauce – GLP Elite™

Ingredients: 

• 1 spaghetti squash
• ¼ cup fresh basil, finely chopped
• 4 fresh tomatoes, diced
• 1 tsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Roast the spaghetti squash at 400°F for 40 minutes. 
2. Meanwhile, sauté diced tomatoes and garlic in olive oil. Add basil, salt, and pepper. 
3. Use a fork to scrape spaghetti strands from the squash and top with the sauce.

Recipe Yields: 8 servings of vegetables and 1 serving of fat.

Opt for Sautéed Green Beans Over Casseroles

Ditch the heavy, calorie-laden green bean casserole this year, and give your Christmas table a lighter, fresher twist. Sautéed green beans with toasted almonds are delicious and deliver a satisfying crunch with every bite.

Fresh Green Bean Almondine – GLP Elite™

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh green beans
• 1 Tbsp sliced almonds
• 1 tsp olive oil
• Pinch of salt, to taste

Directions:

1. Blanch green beans, then sauté them in olive oil. 
2. Top with toasted almonds before serving.

Recipe Yields: 4 servings of vegetables and 3 servings of fat.

Try a Healthy Greek Yogurt Fruit Salad

Skip the sugary, calorie-laden dressings this season and treat yourself to a fruit salad that’s as vibrant as it is nutritious! Toss colorful fruits in low-fat Greek yogurt for a guilt-free Christmas dish that feels like an indulgence without derailing your weight loss goals.

Greek Yogurt Fruit Salad – GLP Elite™

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mixed berries (raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries)
• ½ cup pomegranate seeds
• 1/3 cup low-fat Greek yogurt
• 1 apple, diced
• Stevia®, to taste

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Chill before serving.

Recipe Yields: 1 serving of protein and 3 servings of fruit.

Swap Fatty Cuts of Meat for Baked Salmon

Why settle for fatty cuts of meat like prime rib or sugary glazed ham when you can elevate your holiday meal with baked salmon? Not only is salmon packed with heart-healthy omega-3s, but it’s also light, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying.

Baked Salmon with Lemon-Herb Dressing – GLP Elite™

Ingredients:

• 1 salmon fillet (6 oz.)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dill, finely chopped
• 1 tsp parsley, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Zero-calorie nonstick cooking spray

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with zero-calorie nonstick cooking spray.
2. Place the salmon fillet on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Sprinkle it with dill, parsley, salt, and pepper.
3. Bake the salmon for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
4. Remove from the oven and garnish with additional fresh dill or parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.

Recipe Yields: 6 servings of protein and 1 serving of fat.